Where to stay in Dubai in 2024
Dubai offers a wide range of accommodation options catering to various preferences, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly choices. The best area to stay in Dubai depends on your interests, budget, and the purpose of your visit. Here are some popular areas to consider:
- Downtown Dubai:
- Home to iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
- Ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the city’s entertainment, shopping, and dining districts.
- Offers luxury hotels and high-end shopping experiences.
- Dubai Marina:
- A waterfront community with a vibrant atmosphere, numerous restaurants, and cafes.
- Ideal for those who enjoy a modern, urban lifestyle and want to be close to the beach.
- Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR):
- Located along the beach, JBR is a popular area with a lively atmosphere, a beachfront promenade, and numerous dining options.
- Suitable for those looking for a beachside experience.
- Palm Jumeirah:
- An artificial archipelago with luxury hotels, private villas, and high-end residences.
- Ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious and exclusive experience.
- Bur Dubai:
- The historic district with cultural attractions like the Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Historic District.
- Offers a mix of budget and mid-range accommodation options.
- Deira:
- Known for traditional markets (souks) and proximity to Dubai Creek.
- A good choice for those interested in exploring the older part of the city.
- Business Bay:
- A rapidly developing area with modern skyscrapers and business facilities.
- Convenient for business travelers and those who want a central location.
- Al Barsha:
- Home to the Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai.
- Suitable for those looking for shopping and entertainment options.
- Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central):
- Ideal for travelers with flights to or from this airport.
- Offers some hotel options within the vicinity.
- Dubai International Airport Area:
- Convenient for short stays or layovers, with a variety of hotels near Dubai International Airport.
Where to stay in Dubai in 2024
When choosing where to stay in Dubai, consider your preferences, the purpose of your visit, and whether you want to be closer to specific attractions or business districts. Additionally, Dubai’s public transportation system is efficient, making it easy to explore different parts of the city regardless of where you choose to stay.
Where to stay in Dubai while travelling is the question to ask yourself before discovering the city for the first time; it must say that when you realize that the city is spread over several tens of kilometres. The choice of the district was to sleep in Dubai is essential.
Before wondering what to do in Dubai, you must ask several questions concerning your accommodation choice: in which district to stay. Should you sleep Downtown or instead by the sea, what budget to plan, … You will have understood, there are many questions to determine where to stay in Dubai!
Where to stay in Dubai in 2024
Beyond the choice of the geographical location of its accommodation, I will also share in this blog article my hotel recommendations. Having travelled many times, I have had the opportunity to sleep in many hotels and different parts of the city. I will share here my tips and good addresses, classifying them by budget. Whether travelling to Dubai for business or pleasure, this exceptional city has facilities to suit everyone’s needs.
Located ten kilometres from the Creek, Dubai has business meetings, beautiful beaches, nightlife resorts, and youth workouts. To find the ideal place for the occasion and the inn, you need to know where to stay to suit your getaway schedule. Also, what preferable approach to discover about reviewing where your inn decision is before buying?
On business, stay on Sheik Zayed Road or Deira, located on the north side of the stream. Deira, the former focus of business and business, boasts different inns, including the Carlton Tower Hotel, Marco Polo Hotel, and Hilton Dubai Creek.
Where to stay in Dubai in 2024
Sheik Zayed Road looks like the new trading territory that is set at the World Trade Center. This newly evolved area highlights leading style accommodations, for example, the Emirates Towers Hotel and the Ibis World Trade Center Hotel. Another option for business is the Dubai Marina, which stands out to both travellers and trade associations.
Accommodations incorporate Grosvenor House and the noble Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort Hotel and Spa for those who need to get away from the ordinary infatuation. For delight, Bur Dubai, on the south side of the Creek, and Jumeriah Beach, on the west side of the river, are more reasonable.
Pod Dubai includes Ascot Hotel, Capitol Hotel, and Seaview Hotel as a Narish Khyma vacation destination.
The essentials to know where to stay in Dubai
I’ll start this how-to guide with a summary of the essentials to keep in mind about accommodation in the city. In the rest of this article, we will go into much more detail. This very first part is mainly intended for readers in a hurry of the blog.
Here is what to have in mind to define where to sleep in Dubai:
- accommodation in Downtown (around the Burj Khalifa) is central & close to the metro
- the districts of Deira & Bur Dubai form the historic centre: less modern & more affordable
- to sleep near the beach, choose: Jumeirah, Marina & JBR or The Palm
- if you plan to shine and you don’t have a car, avoid staying in a hotel at The Palm
- for a week or more, it may be preferable to stay in 2 accommodations: Downtown & seaside
- anticipating your reservation is essential between November and April
Jumeriah Beach has world-famous retreats for people who need to enjoy it.
The Mall of the Emirates and the Wide Wadi Water Park are among the wealthy Jumeriah Beach Hotel, Burj Al Arab Hotel, and Madinat Jumeriah Hotel.
Remember vacation destinations when booking an inn. Dubai includes some must-see attractions such as the Dubai Museum and the Al Boom Tourist Village.
Finding the ideal inn can represent the defining moment of your fantasy occasion.
Before wondering which hotel to choose in Dubai, it seems worthwhile to dwell on the city’s geography to orient yourself towards one or more districts.
It would help if you made this choice according to various criteria:
- duration of your stay
- wish to be in a hotel by the sea (or not)
- means of transport for your stay: metro/taxi or car rental
- budget for your accommodation
So I will present to you in detail the best areas to stay in Dubai. It will allow you to identify the preferred geographical location for your accommodation, depending on the different criteria that are specific to you.
High / low season: prices per night with a high range! Depending on the season in which you are going, the price per night can be very different for the same establishment. In the high season, the price can be double the low season price, or even more. It is, therefore, a criterion to take into account to know which hotel to choose in Dubai. An address like the Shangri-La Downtown can have a nightly rate of around 100 euros in a double room in the low season. In high season, the price climbs about 200/250 euros or even more for end-of-year celebrations.
Although it is possible to find accommodation at the very last minute in the middle of summer, prices can be even lower if you anticipate a minimum. Conversely, it is essential to book accommodation or sleep in Dubai several weeks, or even a month in advance between November and April. Good deals and the best hotels are full. And at the last minute, the prices go up! By anticipating, it is possible to find accommodation in excellent establishments without exploding your accommodation budget.
Summary map of neighbourhoods & accommodations to stay in Dubai
If you like to visualize a map to understand the city’s geography better, you will find a summary map below. I have added to this map the different neighbourhoods that we will discuss in this practical guide. Also, I positioned my hotel recommendations in other geographic areas of Dubai.
If you are looking for cheap accommodation in Dubai to sleep in, look to the green icons. Oranges are in an intermediate price range, while those marked in red are luxury hotels (between 120 and 200 euros per night minimum, depending on the season). Staying in 2 different accommodations: the right plan? Are you hesitating between accommodation in town or by the sea? If you are going for a week or more, I recommend dividing your stay into 2 parts by opting for:
- a first part of the stay in a central place to shine and discover the city
- a second part by the sea, in a district like JBR, Jumeirah or The Palm
It will allow you to fully enjoy your trip without multiplying the trips by car, taxi or metro. Remember that the journey from the north of the city to the south is around 40 kilometres!
The best areas to stay in Dubai
First of all, you should know that there is not a single better place to stay in Dubai. The best neighbourhood is specific to your travel criteria, as discussed earlier in this guide. To identify the best place to stay during your stay, you must understand at least the city’s geographic area. Friends tell you that there are some disadvantages with their advantages.
As you can imagine, if you go there mainly to enjoy the beach, the preferred location will not be the same as a more activity-oriented or visit-oriented stay. Nothing more logical. And beyond this choice, for a stay by the sea, the options are numerous. In this part of the blog post, I will quickly present the best areas to stay in Dubai. It will then allow you to determine which hotel to choose in Dubai.
Where to stay in Dubai in 2024- Best Areas & Neighborhoods
Dubai, a One-Of-A-Kind Place
Dubai, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East, is genuinely one of a kind. It is spectacular and is the home of several architectural and engineering marvels.
When visiting the Middle East, Dubai is a place you would want to see – even if you only have a day to do so. Hotel accommodation ranges from your basic up to not five-star, but a 7-star hotel!
You’ll also see lovely beaches, malls that would wow you, and delicious food. This town comprises a few locally born Emeritus, typically wealthy, working-class immigrants mainly from SE Asia and Westerners, who fit into various levels socially and economically.
Deira & Bur Dubai: accommodation in the historic centre
The historic centre locates north of the city. It revolves around Dubai Creek, an arm of the sea. The old town divides into 2 parts: Deira to the north of the arm of the sea and Bur Dubai to the south. These 2 districts denote the rest of the city because there are no tall buildings here.
There are alleys without authentic charm, souks, and some places where you can see the traditional architecture of the Gulf countries, as in Al Bastakiya. The districts are served by the metro. The hotels there are generally more affordable than in the other places that we will discuss below. Note, if you have a vehicle on-site, consider the issue of parking. Many hotels in Old Dubai do not have parking, and it is pretty challenging to find a parking space.
You can go from one district to another by taking an abra, a traditional wooden boat. The boat trip takes a few minutes and doesn’t even cost 1 euro. Whether you plan to stay in Dubai in this part of the city or not, these are 2 places to see on a first trip here.
Neighbourhood to avoid in Dubai?
You should know that the city, like the rest of the country, is perfectly safe! Regarding safety, there is no quarter to avoid here. It must make your choice according to your budget, the expectations of your stay, or its duration.
But you can put aside a possible risk in case you come home late. It is a safe city, one of the safest in the world. If you are wondering which hotel to choose in Dubai and you have found an establishment that meets your criteria, on the security aspect, you can book it with your eyes closed!
Sleeping in Downtown Dubai: the equivalent of Downtown
Downtown is what can be considered the city centre. While that doesn’t make sense in such a sprawling city, it’s the nerve centre. Downtown revolves around the Burj Khalifa, the famous skyscraper, the tallest building in the world. We also find the aquarium, the Dubai Mall or the famous and colossal fountain located at the foot of the building.
It serves by the metro, and there are many accommodations. They are instead in a medium or luxury range. The geographical location is central. It is, in my opinion, the best place to sleep in Dubai to visit the city for 3 or 4 days.
Trade Center & Sheikh Zayed Road
The Trade Center district occupies part of the famous Sheikh Zayed Road, the immense artery that crosses the city from north to south. This part is the most impressive; there is a concentration of hallucinating skyscrapers!
Many hotels are located in this part of Sheikh Zayed Road. Served by several metro stations and ideally located, it is a district that occupies a central geographical position. Nonetheless, there isn’t much to do here as a traveller. It is, however, retained by many people to shine in the 4 corners of the city. It is close to Downtown, and there are quite a few restaurants nearby.
If you plan to stay in Dubai in this part of the city, accommodation is available in different ranges. However, there are relatively mid-range and high-end establishments. The Shangri-La offers one of the best views of Downtown, as you can see in this photograph (paragraph above) that I took from the terrace located on the upper floors of the building.
Jumeirah & Umm Suqqeim, 2 neighbourhoods to stay in Dubai by the sea
Jumeirah and Umm Suqqeim are 2 neighbourhoods that occupy a large part of the coast. From the Jumeirah Mosque in the north to Madinat Jumeirah, a complex comprising a modern souk (with shops/restaurants) and several hotels from the Jumeirah chain.
On this twenty kilometres long coast, there is ultimately relatively little accommodation located within walking distance of the beach. The Rove La Mer Beach to the north and the Park Regis Boutique Hotel are, by far, the 2 tips for staying in Dubai near a beach without breaking the bank.
Further south, the luxury establishments of Madinat Jumeirah are magnificent. They also allow access to the private beach—one of the best in town. However, if you are wondering which hotel to choose in Dubai and you are tempted by these establishments, know that you will have to plan a budget of at least 300 euros/night.
A good tip to know, staying in one of these accommodations provides free access to the nearby Wild Wadi Waterpark. It is also close to the hotel Burj al Arab, shaped like a veil. It is one of the most expensive in the emirate, if not the most costly.
JBR & Marina: 2 pleasant areas to stay
JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) and Dubai Marina are 2 great places to stay while travelling. The marina serves by the metro, and you can easily walk around (or between) these 2 districts. And besides, it is also a part of the city which is very popular with expatriates.
There are many tourist accommodations, relatively mid-range / upscale. Nightly rates at JBR tend to be higher than in the marina, where you can find more affordable apartment hotels.
In terms of catering, the choice is impressive. There are dozens of restaurants or cafes within walking distance, in the marina or at The Walk. And even on the walk along the beach. As for it, the beach is immense and magnificent. Together with the establishments of the Jumeirah chain (located in Madinat Jumeirah in the Umm Suqqeim district), these are the best hotels to stay in Dubai by the sea.
The Palm Jumeirah, should you stay on the artificial island?
The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island shaped like a palm tree. It is instead in the southern part of the city, somewhat out of the way. The central part of the tram is accessible via a monorail. But if you plan to book your nights in accommodation located in more remote branches, you should ideally have a rental car.
This part of the city is best for a beach-oriented stay. If you plan to go out of your hotel every day for activities, sightseeing, or to eat out, you risk wasting a lot of time commuting.
In terms of accommodation, the hotels are relatively upscale but more affordable than at JBR. Also note, the sand of the beaches is quite large (mixture of sand and small pebbles) because they are only artificial beaches. The quality of the sand is much better at JBR or Jumeirah.
Note that this is where we find the famous (and huge) Atlantis hotel. You should have seen a photograph of this legendary building before. By staying at this establishment, you have free access to the Aquaventure water park, the most famous in the city.
Al Barsha
This vast city is not limited to these few neighbourhoods. We could mention many others. Jabel Ali in the south of the town, Mirdif or even Al Barsha in the Northeast are good options. Nevertheless, they have little or no tourist interest. However, these are not neighbourhoods to be avoided in Dubai.
If you opt for a hotel room or an apartment in one of these places, it will be above all to enjoy accommodation at a reasonable price. We can, for example, evoke Al Barsha, where the Mall of the Emirates locates. Apart from this mall where the indoor ski resort Ski Dubai is located, there is nothing to do in this part of the city.
However, the geographical location of this district remains correct, the western part being served by the metro. But also and above all, there are hotels or apart-hotels at unbeatable prices. In other words, Al Barsha is an excellent place to stay in Dubai on a budget.
Stay at Dubai International Airport (DXB)
If you have a long layover or arrive/depart early or late, it may be a good idea to stay overnight at Dubai Airport. It avoids having to make a trip late at night or very early in the morning. It is much more comfortable, and it generates less stress/fatigue.
Several options are possible for accommodation at the airport (or in the immediate vicinity):
- if you have a long layover on an Emirates flight, it is possible to sleep in the transit area (without having to go through immigration) in the International Terminal Hotel
- The Flora Inn is undoubtedly the best option; it offers unbeatable value for money to spend a night close to the airport and terminals. And the transfer is free!
Finally, note that if you spend a week or more here, it may be wise to spend a night in the desert. Live this experience is possible by staying in a camp or a hotel in the desert of Dubai. It will allow you to divide your stay into 2 parts and, for example, to leave over 7 nights by separating them as follows:
- 3 nights in a district like Downtown to shine and visit
- 1 night in the desert located at the gates of the city
- Last 3 nights in beachfront accommodation at Jumeirah, JBR or The Palm
My hotel recommendations were to stay in Dubai.
I think you will understand that in a massive city like this, the location of your accommodation is a crucial point. It would help if you didn’t choose where to sleep in Dubai based on the hotel’s price or the associated services. The hotel’s location is essential and must correspond to what you plan to do with your stay in the city of excess …
Below, you will find my good addresses, by district and by budget. The first part of this practical guide should help you identify the best place to stay for your travel profile. All you have to do is opt for one of my recommendations in the part of town that you have chosen. And that fits your budget, of course …
Cheap hotels to stay in Dubai: great deals!
Are you looking for the proper housing plan? Are you looking for clean, well-located accommodation while conserving your budget? Here is the best budget accommodation:
- The Four Points by Sheraton located in Bur Dubai is a good address. Good value for money, well located near the metro. Is it ideal for a short stay?
- Are you Looking for an affordable address Downtown? In the middle of luxury hotels, the Rove Downtown is one of the excellent accommodation plans! It is the place to stay in Dubai on a budget in this part of the city. Perfect geographical location, spacious and clean rooms, this is the ideal solution for those on a budget who wish to stay in this part of the city
- further south, in Al Barsha, the Ibis Mall of the Emirates is close to the metro, clean but straightforward and unbeatable for the price. To be preferred if your budget is limited because this place is of no interest beyond the reasonably suitable geographical location.
Which hotel to choose in Dubai with an intermediate budget (around 120 euros per night)
If your budget is intermediate, you should find the perfect hotel to stay in Dubai in this part of the article. Here again, the price per night can vary greatly depending on the season. Difficult to give you an indicative price …
- In Jumeirah, a stone’s throw from the beach, the Rove La Mer Beach is a fantastic address. Many cafes/restaurants close to the hotel and quick access to the beach. One of the 2 good deals is to be by the sea, within walking distance of the beach, without breaking the bank.
- The other preferred address for accommodation by the sea is the Park Regis Boutique Hotel. Located a little further south, in Umm Suqqeim, it allows you to reach the beach on foot.
- The Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach is one of the most affordable accommodations of RBG. Most hotels in this area exceed 250 euros per night in the high season. This hotel in the Rotana chain remains affordable. By the way, it is a perfect chain well established in the countries of the Middle East.
- It is not necessarily easy to find accommodation there in high season with an average budget on The Palm. The Aloft hotel is an exception and is within a reasonable price range. It is the address to choose in Dubai in this district if your budget exceeds 150 euros/night in a double room.
Dubai’s Culinary Combinations
There is a direct relationship between the country’s ethnic composition and the types of culinary dishes available.
Enjoy delicious 5-star cuisine to the delicious food on the streets for the more budget-conscious.
In Dubai, you can find mouth-watering dishes from the local Emeritus and the Chinese, Lebanese, Iranian, Indian, Pakistani, European, and American. By law, alcohol only serves within the confines of a hotel.
Spectacular Shopping in Dubai
One of the breathtaking sites of Dubai is the malls – such as the Dubai Mall. Dubai has the most malls in the entire Middle-Eastern region!
Not only are they the most numerous, but they are spectacular sites. Where would you go to find a mall with a huge aquarium or a waterway to take you from one store in the mall to the next? Dubai.
Therefore the attraction of Dubai’s malls is not necessarily the prices but the sites of these impressive structures.
Several hotels provide transportation to and from the malls, which is a good convenience for visitors.
The World – a Wonderful Place to Live!
When persons usually refer to ‘The World’, it is synonymous with this planet that we live on.
In Dubai, ‘The World’ refers to an artificial archipelago – a set of artificial islands in the shape of the world map. Each island has beaches, a marina, and homes.
Some are larger than others – one island might have only one private house, while others might form a small district.
Other Architectural Marvels in Dubai
Palm Islands, dubbed ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’, is another set of artificial islands which form 3 peninsulas shaped like palms!
The three are Palm Jumeirah, primarily a retreat and residential area; Palm Jabel Ali, which is mainly for entertainment for adults and children and Palm Deira, which will have residential, shopping, and sports facilities.
Hotels including access to waterparks…
You are travelling together, and you plan to take advantage of a waterpark during your stay … Here are 2 good addresses that could be suitable accommodation for sleeping in Dubai with your family, with children.
Indeed, the 2 addresses below include access to a famous neighbouring water park. When you know the price of the entrance ticket to the Dubai water parks, staying in a luxury hotel with access to the waterpark becomes interesting. And this is especially the case if you are looking for accommodation for a family trip. The cost of entrance tickets to a waterpark is climbing very quickly …
- The Atlantis gives you free access to the Aquaventure during your stay in the establishment
- the Jumeirah Mina A’Salam which provides free access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark
Where to stay in Dubai
Burj Al Arab, the world’s tallest hotel, is situated about half a mile off the fabulous Jumeirah Beach.
Its shape is like a sail of a yacht from the outside; it has reception offices on every floor, round-the-clock butler service, has some of Dubai’s finest restaurants, and a Rolls Royce service fleet.
Even though your average tourist may not be able to stay at the Burj Al Arab, you can view from a distance, and you can get in by booking a reservation at one of their spectacular restaurants, which is an experience in itself.
Traditional Sites of Dubai
It would be a fascinating event to visit one of the souks in Dubai. ‘Souk’ is the Arab word for the market. Souks are traditionally open-air markets where locals and visitors alike purchase carpets, rugs, jewellery, fresh meat, and vegetables.
Purchases are usually made through a negotiation process as the buyer would sit down with the seller and negotiate the price since there is typically no set market price.
One of the most famous souks is the Gold Souk. Here you can get gold and other precious stones such as platinum and diamonds. Trade also make by barter and price negotiation.
Other traditional sites are museums, mosques, and the desert. Some mosques are over 200 years old, decorated with traditional Arabian architecture. You can also find desert safaris which offer camel riding.
Where to stay in Dubai
Dubai has hotel accommodation for persons of all budgets – whether you’re looking for hotel deals or the 5-star plus hotels, there is a place for you.
There are lovely hotels with gorgeous beaches and amenities to suit your pocket. So if you’re planning to visit the Middle East, a visit to Dubai is a must.
Car park
You should know that most hotels have private parking except those located in Old Dubai (north of the city), where there are far fewer parking lots. So remember to check this if you plan to travel in a rental car.
Also note, many luxury establishments offer a valet parking service included in the rate. It is a bit the norm here for 5-star hotels, even if they are not that expensive …
The best luxury hotels to stay in Dubai
The city of excess, the nickname was given to the town, is full of magnificent, vast and impressive hotels. Ideal for making the most of your stay and recharging your batteries. However, some 5 stars offer poor services, such as the Sofitel located on The Palm. And it is often these accommodations that we find on promotion on private sales sites … So remember to sort it out and not rely on commercial speeches and the simple stars attributed to an accommodation.
Are you looking for which luxury hotel to choose in Dubai?
Here are the addresses that I recommend to accommodate you in an exceptional setting:
- For beachfront accommodation, I would recommend Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, located in Madinat Jumeirah. It has a beautiful private beach, and the hotel is superb. Ideal in the evening, you can enjoy the many restaurants of the Jumeirah establishments and the other restaurants located in the complex. All on foot from your accommodation. The breakfast buffet is vast, and the products served are of high quality.
- Ideally located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the Shangri-La allows you to stay in the geographical centre to visit the city while enjoying a magnificent hotel. It offers 2 swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoor. This address is excellent, as is often the case with hotels in this chain. Impressive buffet breakfast as well
- Located on The Palm, it is one of the symbols of the city: the Atlantis hotel. Many travellers spend one or two nights there without necessarily staying there during their entire stay. Bonus, you can access the Aquaventure water park during your stay. An excellent economy in a family with children …
- In search of a hotel located in JBR, opt without hesitation for the Rixos Premium JBR, which is, in my opinion, the best luxury hotel in JBR. Spacious rooms (37 square meters minimum), huge swimming pool, direct access to the beach, it’s a gem! But it will take a lot to sleep in Dubai in this 5-star establishment…
Regarding the Shangri-La, by staying in a Horizon Club room, you can access a floor with a swimming pool and terrace, which offers one of the most beautiful views of Downtown and the famous Burj Khalifa. The photograph I took in the evening.
